Well, here's the latest status

3DSMax - what a rip off!

I found out that the 3 levels and 5 year old used copy of 3dsmax I bought in 2010 for $200 (and spent time learning) was actually a one year student edition!  Unlike everyone else's software - no where was that stated - neither on the packaging nor on the software.  

• I've had great luck with other used, back level software (espeically - the Adobe Creative Suite).  Does anyone know of anyone else (besides Autodesk) that isn't clear on what thier used software is (i.e., temporary or permant licenses)? (so I can beware).

Silo3D - Am making my way through the tutorials.  So far - not bad.

Modo - I am still admiring the renders on their website.  Haven't gotten to the point to rendering in Silo3D.  Does anyone know how their compares with each other (and with Poser 9 for that matter)?

Question:  Modo seems to have a lot of plug-ins.  Does one actually need to buy a set of them to do common things in Poser?  Pls advise.  Thanks!